Bobby Orr once said, "Forget about style; worry about results."
The graduates from Neilburg Composite School chose this quotation as their theme for the 2012 commencement exercises May 5.
The 16 graduates were: Lukas Biensch, Adam Bisson, Skyler Bossert, Ashton Czerniak, Alex Foster, Taylor Herle, Danyka Hiar, Rory Marshall, Dayneeka McCulloch, Ryley Olchowecki, Chase Smith, Brenna Tyler, Arlee Walde, Landon Watson and Tanner Williams.
The master of ceremonies for the official program was Wade Worman, with Stephanie Gibbons reading out the name of each graduate and their escort as they entered the darkened gymnasium. The processional music was Tattoos on This Town, by Jason Aldean. Ashlee Goodfellow sang O Canada. She was accompanied at the electric piano by Coleman Tyler. The flag-bearers, who entered during the national anthem, were Dustin Toews and Ty Spence.
After Wade Worman gave his introductory comments, Alex Foster delivered the salutatory address. Principal Diana Worman then brought her brief address saying, "This group has a passion for life. They put energy into everything and are hard working, and a wonderful group of young people. The hallways may be quieter but we won't have the same zip and zing without them."
Rory Marshall introduced the guest speaker for the evening, his uncle Waylon Marshall. Waylon graduated from NCS 20 years ago. He kept the crowd laughing as he told some tales of his experiences as a rodeo clown. Rory also thanked his uncle at the close of the older Marshall's speech.
Brenna Tyler and Lukas Biensch gave a brief history of each graduate and indicated what each one plans to do in the fall. Then it was time for the ceremonial passing of the colours with Skylar Bossert and Dayneeka McCulloch presenting them to Shannon Putnam and Dustin Hafner, two Grade 11 students who represent the next graduating class, that of 2013.
Brenna Tyler and Ashton Czerniak teamed up to present the valedictorian address. They quoted Walt Disney who said "All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." Tyler and Czerniak were jointly presented with the Neilburg Community Council Valedictorian Shield by Karen Putnam.
Principal Diana Worman presented the Governor General's Medal for 2011 to Leah Timmermans. Timmermans had the highest average of last year's graduating class with 92 per cent. She has recently completed her first year of nursing training at the University of Alberta.
Despite some technical difficulties, a PowerPoint presentation was screened - depicting the graduates from their babyhoods up to the present day. After Chase Smith gave some general remarks, the recessional Kyoto by Skrillex was played. After the exercises, the graduates and their parents and guests relocated to the Neilburg Community Hall for the grand march and a dance.
